JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY--- The family of JQuan Lewis who was shot and killed by Marquis Neal and Anthony Harvey were unhappy with the jury's verdict Monday.
The Philadelphia cousins were charged with first degree murder, after about three hours of deliberation and five days of testimony, Harvey was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and Neal guilty of third degree murder. Both were found guilty of other related offense including aggravated assault and flight to avoid apprehension for the October 1, 2011 murder in Oakhurst homes.
Evelyn Lewis, the victim's mother said she was more outraged with the jury than anything else.
"Guilty of murder three, it's not good enough," said Lewis. "I'm disappointed with jury, it may be my kid today but tomorrow it could be theirs."
"To hear any verdict less than first is disappointing to say the least," said Tammy Bernstein, Assistant District Attorney.
In order for the jury to convict the men of first degree murder they had to believe it was premeditated. District Attorney Kelly Callihan was disappointed that didn't happen.
"We felt we had a strong case for first degree murder," said Callihan. "The victim was shot three times one at close range and the final shot was into his head."
The defense was pleased with the jury's decision.
"It could have been much worse," said Harvey Defense Attorney Jerome Kaharick. "A conviction of voluntary manslaughter is different."
"My son was 21- years old," said Lewis. "I'm the one who will be serving the life sentence."
Harvey and Neal will be sentenced within 90 days; Harvey could receive up to 20 years, Neal up to 40 in jail
The Philadelphia cousins were charged with first degree murder, after about three hours of deliberation and five days of testimony, Harvey was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and Neal guilty of third degree murder. Both were found guilty of other related offense including aggravated assault and flight to avoid apprehension for the October 1, 2011 murder in Oakhurst homes.
Evelyn Lewis, the victim's mother said she was more outraged with the jury than anything else.
"Guilty of murder three, it's not good enough," said Lewis. "I'm disappointed with jury, it may be my kid today but tomorrow it could be theirs."
"To hear any verdict less than first is disappointing to say the least," said Tammy Bernstein, Assistant District Attorney.
In order for the jury to convict the men of first degree murder they had to believe it was premeditated. District Attorney Kelly Callihan was disappointed that didn't happen.
"We felt we had a strong case for first degree murder," said Callihan. "The victim was shot three times one at close range and the final shot was into his head."
The defense was pleased with the jury's decision.
"It could have been much worse," said Harvey Defense Attorney Jerome Kaharick. "A conviction of voluntary manslaughter is different."
"My son was 21- years old," said Lewis. "I'm the one who will be serving the life sentence."
Harvey and Neal will be sentenced within 90 days; Harvey could receive up to 20 years, Neal up to 40 in jail
